It is a common practice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts to take health supplements to build more muscle strength and mass. A majority of them go for products like protein powders that are made into shakes or added to their soup or morning oatmeal. There are several similar products in the market, so why choose organic protein versus a less expensive option? Which kind of supplements are going to be best for you? When choosing a particular meal replacement, know more about the source and other nutrients it gives aside from just the protein.

Organic Hemp – Growing in Popularity

Hemp seeds are used to produce many different health food products like powdered hemp which can be mixed into smoothies, dressings, and shakes. This is strongly recommended as an additional protein source in a diet because of the numerous health benefits it offers. First, it is complete with all the 21 amino acids, 9 of which cannot be produced by the body on its own so it must be taken from other dietary sources. Since hemp seeds easily adapt to methods of organic agriculture, this makes it a safe food source.

It just takes two tablespoons of ground, organic hemp to give 13 to 15 grams of protein. These 2 tablespoons consist of branched-chain amino acids or BCAAs such as isoleucine, valine and leucine. These BCAAs contribute to 40% of the required essential amino acids per day. These amino acids, just like carbohydrates, act as fuel that the muscles burn to boost energy.

Organic Whey – a Long-Time Body-Builder’s Favorite

Whey comes from the milk harvested from grass-fed cows. A 2011 study in Sweden reveals that milk from grass-fed cows contains a higher percentage of beneficial fatty acids compared to milk from cows raised in industrial farms. Aside from this, grass-fed cow’s milk is richer in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which helps prevent certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, it is rich in healthier ratios of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help in treating inflammation and depression, and aid in promoting hair and skin growth as well as bone density.

It is known that whey has less lactose compared to milk. This is the reason lactose-intolerant individuals choose products made from whey. These can be used to make energizing drinks and mouth-watering treats.

Organic Rice and Pea Blends

Supplements and powders made from organic brown rice and peas are not only high in protein content but they are also loaded with other health benefits. We tend to concentrate on how these benefits are particularly important to athletes who undergo regular strenuous workouts. Why would the athlete choose this stuff made from brown rice or peas when they can just eat a steak? Since they contain protein in a more easily absorbed form, these powders are ideal for those who want to be in the best of health. In addition to protein, organic rice and pea powders offer essential amino acids, which are critical for muscle rehabilitation but cannot be produced alone by the body. However, they are usually mixed with the ground peas since the latter has the amino acids that are lacking in organic rice.

In the end, people tend to choose organic sources over “synthetic” or any product where they cannot pronounce the ingredients or understand what they are. They choose them because they feel better about what they are putting in their bodies, and know that even if it isn’t a solid meal at the moment, they are at least ingesting a food or supplement that is going to suit their requirements as a health and fitness conscious person, whether they are competing or not.